Adaptive speed data collection

ABSTRACT

A mobile device is arranged to perform an adaptive speed data collection method. A host application running on the mobile device cooperates with a background service also running on the mobile device. The background service is arranged as a state machine. On each pass through the state machine, quality of service (QoS) data associated with a particular wide area network, such as a cellular network, is collected. Also on each pass through the state machine, a sample time value is calculated based on a plurality of asserted triggers and rules applied to the asserted triggers. An alarm is loaded with the sample time value, and the background service is suspended until the alarm expires or an interrupt is asserted. The asserted interrupt begins a new sequential pass through the state machine.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.14/866,121, filed Sep. 25, 2015, and entitled ADAPTIVE SPEED DATACOLLECTION, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

Technical Field

The present disclosure generally relates to quality of service datacollection by a mobile device operating in a wide area network. Moreparticularly, but not exclusively, the present disclosure relates to abackground service executing on a mobile device operating in a cellularnetwork wherein the background service is dynamically adapting its datacollection tasks to changing network and device conditions.

Description of the Related Art

Mobile devices have been used to capture quality of service data formany years. U.S. Pat. No. 8,160,571 (the '571 patent), issued to thesame assignee as the present application, describes software thatexecutes on a mobile device to collect realistic and accurate userquality information. The techniques and mechanisms described in the '571patent describe data collection techniques designed to limit thedegradation of user experience of the mobile device during the datacollection process. The '571 patent software operates as a backgroundapplication, which, in some cases, also includes a user interface, andthe software may also be remotely controlled and updated by an externalserver. U.S. Pat. No. 8,832,258 (the '258 patent), also issued to thesame assignee as the present application, describes an external serverembodiment that directs a mobile device to collect and communicaterealistic and accurate user quality information according to one or moredata collection rule sets. The computing server or a data collectionserver receives, filters, and stores the user quality informationprovided by the mobile device. Both the '571 patent and the '258 patentare incorporated herein by reference.

FIG. 1 illustrates a known network data collection environment 1. In theenvironment 1, a first mobile device 2 a is operating somewhere within acoverage area 4 of a wide area network 6 (e.g., a cellular network).Other mobile devices 2 b, 2 c, 2 d, . . . 2 n are also operating withinthe coverage area 4 of the wide area network 6. The mobile devices 2 a-2n are typically associated with ordinary users. The ordinary users maysign respective contracts for access to voice, data, short messageservice (SMS) text messages, and other services with a network serviceprovider that administers such services in the wide area network 6. Inconjunction with the signed contract, the mobile devices 2 a-2 nassociated with the ordinary users are provisioned for access to thecontracted services. Each user may then use their associated mobiledevice whenever they are within the coverage area 4.

Coverage area 4 illustrates some or all of the areas where wide areanetwork services are offered by a network service provider. Urban areassuch as in buildings and streets of a city, suburban areas withresidential and light commercial areas, forest areas, mountainous areas,rural areas, highways, streets, and roads are all represented in oneform or another in the coverage area 4 serviced by the wide area network6. The mobile devices, including mobile device 2 a, may move in anydirection and at any speed within the coverage area 4, and as the mobiledevices move, a quality of service (QoS) software application isexecuting on each mobile device. The QoS software application collectsdata associated with the wide area network 6.

The QoS software application running on each mobile device may operateautonomously, or the QoS software application may take direction from aparticular computing server 8. The computing server 8 includes a datacollection portion 8 a, and the same or another computing server 8includes a data control portion 8 b. The data control portion 8 bdirects operations of the QoS software application, and the datacollection portion 8 a receives QoS data collected by each of the mobiledevices 2 a-2 n.

As described in the '571 patent and the '258 patent, wide area networkmay be any wireless network that conforms to a particular protocol.Mobile devices as described herein can collect data from cellularnetworks that conform to a 3G protocol, a 4G protocol, a 5G protocol, orsome other wireless communication network protocol.

Mobile device 2 a is illustrated in FIG. 1 with a schedule-based testingmethodology 10 illustrated as a flowchart. In FIG. 1, the testingmethodology 10 begins at 12 with an inquiry as to whether the device isactive or inactive. Since mobile device 2 a is a mobile device carriedby an ordinary user, the mobile device 2 a may be in current use by theuser, or the mobile device 2 a may be sitting idle in an inactive sleepmode. If mobile device 2 a is active, the user may be in a telephonecall, passing data across the wide area network 6 (e.g., Internetsearch, email, gaming, multimedia streaming, and the like), sending atext message, or performing some other function. When mobile device 2 ais active at 12, processing falls to 18. Alternatively, when mobiledevice 2 a is inactive at 12, processing falls to the inquiry at 14.

At 14, if a determined amount of time has not yet elapsed, processingwill return to the inquiry at 12. In this case, mobile device 2 a willreturn to an inactive sleep mode at 20 or some other mode that waspreviously in operation prior to the processing at inquiry 12.Alternatively at 14, if the determined amount of time has elapsed,processing will pass to the functions at 16.

At 16, a particular test “N” is performed. In the known embodiment ofFIG. 1, mobile device 2 a is configured to perform one of threeparticular tests for each pass through the testing algorithm. The testthat is performed may be a data test, a call test, a short messageservice (SMS) test, or some other test.

In the function processing at 16, “N” is a variable, and with each passthrough the algorithm, the variable N is incremented modulo 3.Accordingly, in sequential passes through the algorithm, the variable Nwill take the value 0, 1, and 2, and one of the three tests will beperformed.

A first test that may be performed in the functional processing at 16may be a data test. The data test may last for a predetermined time suchas 30 seconds. The data test is arranged to send and receive test dataacross the wide area network 6 to and from the data control portion 8 bof computing server 8. Mobile device 2 a will collect results of thedata test, which may include the time it takes for test data to traversethe network in one direction, the other direction, or both directions.Lost packets of test data are noted, and the order in which packets aredelivered may also be noted. Data packet routing may be tracked andrecorded along with other aspects of data communication through widearea network 6.

A second test that may be performed in the functional processing at 16may be a phone call test. In a phone call test, one or more testtelephone calls may be initiated and maintained from mobile device 2 athrough wide area network 6 to the data control portion 8 b of computingserver 8. Dropped calls are recorded, along with the inability to makecalls. Other recorded aspects of the call test may include capturing andrecording network routing information, cell tower information, backboneinfrastructure information, and the like.

A short message service (SMS) test is another test that may be performedin the functional processing at 16. In an SMS test, one or more textmessages are sent between mobile 2 a and the data control server portion8 b during a 30 second period. The ability to send and receive the textmessages, along with other quality aspects associated with textmessages, such as the speed of a message through the network, theability to pass a text message through the network, and any errors inthe text message data may also be recorded.

The functional processing at 16 may take a predetermined amount of time,and the testing is arranged to terminate if the user begins to usemobile device 2 a.

In cooperation with functional processing at 16, or if the device wasdetermined to be active at 12, QoS data associated with mobile device 2a and the wide area network 6 is captured at 18. The captured QoS datamay be any of the data as indicated herein with respect to particulartests, and the same or similar QoS data may be captured when mobiledevice 2 a is in active use by the user. For example, if the user isengaged in a telephone call and the telephone call is dropped, thetesting algorithm may capture a record of the dropped call. In a similarway, other anonymous information associated with quality of service maybe captured when the user uses mobile device 2 a.

In association with the functional tests at 16 and the captured data at18, a location of the mobile device 2 a within the coverage area 4 and atimestamp is associated with each datum of the captured data. Processingat 18 ends and mobile device 2 a is put into an inactive sleep mode oranother mode that the device was previously in at 20. Processing returnsto the inquiry at 12.

Generally speaking, the test methodology 10 illustrated in FIG. 1 withrespect to mobile device 2 a is a schedule-based QoS data collectionmethodology. When mobile device 2 a is not in active use by a user, thedevice will wake on a predetermined schedule to perform a test, and thenthe device will go back to a sleep state. The amount of time that mobiledevice 2 a remains in a sleep state before being woken to performanother test may be several seconds, several minutes, or some otheramount of time. The regular collection of data in this way allows mobiledevice 2 a to collect a large amount of data on a very regularlyscheduled basis.

On a periodic, scheduled, or some other basis, data captured by mobiledevice 2 a is passed through the wide area network 6 to the datacollection portion 8 a of computing server 8.

All of the subject matter discussed in the Background section is notnecessarily prior art and should not be assumed to be prior art merelyas a result of its discussion in the Background section. Along theselines, any recognition of problems in the prior art discussed in theBackground section or associated with such subject matter should not betreated as prior art unless expressly stated to be prior art. Instead,the discussion of any subject matter in the Background section should betreated as part of the inventor's approach to the particular problem,which in and of itself may also be inventive.

BRIEF SUMMARY

The use of conventional tools and methodologies to collect quality ofservice (QoS) data associated with a wide area network, such as acellular network, has led to the discovery of a significant drawbackwith the conventional approach. Conventional QoS data collection hasheretofore been followed an inefficient schedule-based process. Thecollection of QoS data would run on a predictable, periodic schedulethat would consume battery power and processor cycles even when it wasknown in advance that the QoS data likely to be collected would beredundant or otherwise less valuable.

Using the adaptive speed data collection (ASDC) tools and methodologiesdescribed in the present disclosure, the amount of battery powerconsumed and the number of processor cycles expended in the collectionof QoS data is reduced. The time duration between consecutive acts tocollect QoS may be adapted each time such data is collected. One or moretriggers are analyzed and if certain rule conditions applied to thetriggers are met, the time duration is adjusted upwards or downwards. Inthis way, the amount of time that passes between one QoS data collectionact and a subsequent QoS data collection act may be different than theamount of time that passes between two other QoS data collection acts.

An adaptive speed data collection method may be summarized as includinginitializing a background service on a mobile device, the backgroundservice arranged as a state machine; collecting quality of service (QoS)data with the mobile device, the QoS data associated with a certain widearea network; determining, with the mobile device, a sample time valuebased on asserted triggers and rules applied to the asserted triggers;loading an alarm with the sample time value; and suspending operation ofthe background service until the alarm is activated.

The adaptive speed data collection method may further include: receivinga plurality of current input variables from a source outside of thebackground service; retrieving a plurality of previous input variables;comparing ones of the plurality of current input variables withcorresponding ones of the plurality of previous input variables; formingthe asserted triggers based on the comparing; and storing the pluralityof current input variables in corresponding memory locations occupied bythe plurality of previous input variables, wherein the plurality ofcurrent input variables are treated as the plurality of previous inputvariables in a subsequent cycle of the state machine.

The adaptive speed data collection method may further include: modifyingthe sample time value based on the application of at least one rule toat least one asserted trigger.

The adaptive speed data collection method may further include: executingat least two sequential passes through the state machine, the twosequential passes separated by a time duration associated with thesample time value. The asserted triggers may include at least one of acell identifier, a call state, a network type, and a connection type.

The adaptive speed data collection method may further include: modifyingthe sample time value based on any change to at least one of the cellidentifier, call state, network type, or connection type. The assertedtriggers may include at least one of a signal strength value, a mobiledevice movement value, a mobile device user activity value, and ascreen-on value.

The adaptive speed data collection method may further include: modifyingthe sample time value based on a change in signal strength that exceedsa predetermined power ratio value; or modifying the sample time valuebased on an absence of movement of the mobile device; or modifying thesample time value based on a user activity of the mobile device; ormodifying the sample time value based on a change in screen state of themobile device. The sample time value may be increased by a first amountbased on the absence of movement of the mobile device. The sample timevalue may be increased by a second amount based on a continued absenceof movement of the mobile device during at least two sequential passesthrough the state machine, the second amount being larger than the firstamount.

A mobile device may be summarized as including: a processing unit; amemory having stored thereon a first set of software instructionsexecutable by the processing unit, the first set of softwareinstructions organized as a host application, and a second set ofsoftware instructions executable by the processing unit, the second setof software instructions organized as a background service; an inputinterface to pass input variables from the memory to the backgroundservice; and at least one timer, the at least one timer configured toreceive a sample time value, the at least one timer configured tointerrupt the processing unit when a time duration corresponding to thesample time value expires, wherein the second set of softwareinstructions organized as the background service direct the processingunit to: collect quality of service (QoS) data associated with a certainwide area network; determine a sample time value based on assertedtriggers and rules applied to the asserted triggers; load the at leastone timer with the sample time value; and suspend operation of thebackground service until the at least one timer interrupts theprocessing unit when the time duration corresponding to the sample timevalue expires.

The mobile device may further include: a transceiver to send thecollected QoS data to a remote data collection server. The transceivermay be configured to receive control information from a remote datacontrol server, the control information arranged to modify the rulesapplied to asserted triggers. The first set of software instructionsorganized as the host application may configure the processing unit todirect operations of the second set of software instructions organizedas the background service. The mobile device may further include: a userinterface, the user interface arranged to present informationrepresenting at least some of the collected QoS data in cooperation withthe first set of software instructions organized as the hostapplication.

A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium whose stored contentsconfigure a computing system to perform a method may be summarized asincluding: instantiating an adaptive speed data collection (ASDC)software application; instantiating an ASDC background service, the ASDCbackground service arranged to cooperate with the ASDC softwareapplication; collecting quality of service (QoS) data via the ASDCbackground service, the QoS data associated with a certain wide areanetwork; determining a sample time value based on asserted triggers andrules applied to the asserted triggers; loading an alarm with the sampletime value; and suspending operation of the ASDC background serviceuntil the alarm is activated.

The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium whose storedcontents configure the computing system to perform the method, themethod may further include: executing a plurality of sequential passesthrough the ASDC background service, each sequential pass separated by aduration of time represented by the sample time value, wherein thesample time value is changeable during each sequential pass. Thenon-transitory computer-readable storage medium whose stored contentsconfigure the computing system to perform the method, the method mayfurther include: continuing to execute the plurality of sequentialpasses through the ASDC background service when operations of theadaptive speed data collection (ASDC) software application end. Thenon-transitory computer-readable storage medium whose stored contentsconfigure the computing system to perform the method, the method mayfurther include: increasing the sample time value by a first amountbased on an absence of movement of a mobile device associated with thecomputing system; and increasing the sample time value by a secondamount based on a continued absence of movement of the mobile deviceduring at least two sequential passes through the ASDC backgroundservice, the second amount being larger than the first amount. Thenon-transitory computer-readable storage medium whose stored contentsconfigure the computing system to perform the method, the method mayfurther include: communicating collected QoS data to a remote datacollection server.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

Non-limiting and non-exhaustive embodiments are described with referenceto the following drawings, wherein like labels refer to like partsthroughout the various views unless otherwise specified. The sizes andrelative positions of elements in the drawings are not necessarily drawnto scale. For example, the shapes of various elements are selected,enlarged, and positioned to improve drawing legibility. The particularshapes of the elements as drawn have been selected for ease ofrecognition in the drawings. One or more embodiments are describedhereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a known network data collection environment

FIG. 2 illustrates a network data collection environment in which mobiledevice embodiments employ an adaptive speed data collection methodology;

FIG. 3 illustrates a particular mobile device embodiment in more detailalong with a computing server;

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of the ASDC test methodology of FIG. 1 in moredetail;

FIG. 5A is a representative embodiment of trigger definitions (Table 1);

FIG. 5B is a representative embodiment of rule definitions (Table 2);

FIG. 5C is a representative embodiment of sampled parameters (Table 3);

FIG. 6A is a first portion of a flowchart of the ASDC test methodologyof FIG. 4 in more detail;

FIG. 6B is a second portion of a flowchart of the ASDC test methodologyof FIG. 4 in more detail;

FIG. 7A is a representative graph of sample time changing under ano-triggers condition;

FIG. 7B is a representative graph of sample time changing when a mobiledevice is in a device-moving condition;

FIG. 7C is a representative graph of sample time changing under atrigger-activated condition;

FIG. 7D is a representative graph of sample time held fixed under a holdcondition.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The disclosure herein describes processes, machines, and articles ofmanufacture that service vast multitudes of users and improve thefunctioning of wide area networks such as cellular systems whereembodiments of the processes, machines, and articles of manufacture areoperating or otherwise in use. When using these devices, network serviceproviders can add value to their existing offerings by analyzing qualityof service (QoS) data collected by the devices. With respect to coveragearea 4 of FIG. 1, it is known that buildings, trees, mountains, andother man-made structures and naturally occurring terrain featuresaffect the quality of service in a wide area network. Accordingly, whenQoS data is captured by typical mobile devices of ordinary users usingtheir devices according to arm's-length contracts for mobile networkservices, the data is very valuable. The captured data, particularlywhen it is aggregated with captured data from a plurality of userdevices, may identify weak points in the wide area network 6, failing orotherwise inadequate network infrastructure, an over-abundance ofnetwork infrastructure, and a large number of other issues directlyassociated with the wide area network 6.

It is known that the users of mobile devices place value on the lengthof time that their mobile device can operate on a single battery charge.It is also known that the number of times a battery is charged anddischarged may be correlated to the length of time that a battery may beused before it fails. It is further known that charging batteriesrequires energy, and the conservation of energy is an important economicand ecological issue. Along these lines, the collection of valuable QoSdata is improved when the collecting of such data is made more energyefficient.

It has been recognized by the inventor that known systems for collectingQoS data can be improved by replacing a schedule-based QoS datacollection methodology with an adaptive speed data collectionmethodology.

The testing algorithm that executes in mobile device 2 a (FIG. 1)implements a schedule-based data collection method. When mobile device 2a is not in active use, the method follows a sequential sleep-test-sleeppattern. The device will wake from a sleep state, perform a test, andreturn to a sleep state on a predictable, regular schedule, this patterncontinues even if the device is stationary within the coverage area fora very long time.

The value of collected QoS data is diminished when known data iscollected over and over again even though conditions commensurate withthe testing have not changed. This is a likely circumstance when a userplaces a mobile device on a nightstand after work every day, when a userplaces their mobile device on a desk or table as they work all day, andin many other circumstances. If the mobile device operates according tothe test methodology 10 described with respect to FIG. 1, a large volumeof generally unchanging QoS data will be collected. Accordingly,benefits are accrued if the collection of such a large volume of known,unchanging QoS data can be avoided.

FIG. 2 illustrates a network data collection environment 100 in whichmobile device embodiments employ an adaptive speed data collection testmethodology 110. In FIG. 2, just as in FIG. 1, the wide area network 6provides wireless network services in a coverage area 4. Within thecoverage area, a vast multitude (e.g., dozens, hundreds, thousands, ormillions) of mobile devices 102 a-102 n are carried by users in cities,suburbs, rural areas, mountains, forests, and still other mobile devices102 a-102 n are deployed in other ways such as in vehicles, inindustrial equipment, in buildings, and in other ways. The mobiledevices 102 a-102 n are provisioned to access mobile network servicesfor making phone calls, surfing the Internet and passing other datatraffic, sending and receiving SMS messages, location tracking, and thelike.

Valuable data can be collected by mobile device 102 a-102 n regardingthe quality of service provided in the coverage area 4 via the wide areanetwork 6. In contrast to FIG. 1, however, mobile devices 102 a-102 nintroduced in FIG. 2 are not configured to implement a schedule-baseddata collection method; instead, mobile device 102 a-102 n areconfigured to implement an adaptive speed data collection testmethodology 110.

FIG. 3 illustrates a particular mobile device 102 a embodiment in moredetail along with a computing server 108. Computing server 108 isarranged to collect QoS data from, and to pass control information toand from, a plurality of mobile devices including mobile device 102 a.Accordingly, computing server 108 may direct and otherwise supportoperations of an adaptive speed data collection methodology.

Computing server 108 includes a data collection server portion 108 a anda data control server portion 108 b. The data collection server portion108 a and a data control server portion 108 b may be separate anddistinct from each other, or the portions may cooperatively shareresources of a single computing server. In some embodiments, the datacontrol server portion 108 b includes an optional external agent 134.Computing server 108 may be formed as a single computing machine, aplurality of computing machines, or in some other arrangement, such as acloud-based distributed computing machine.

Computing server 108 includes operative hardware found in a conventionalcomputing server apparatus such as one or more processing units 112 a,volatile and non-volatile memory logic 114 a, and wired and/or wirelessnetworking circuitry (e.g., a communications transceiver 116 a)compliant with various standards and protocols. Computing server 108further includes operative software found in a conventional computingserver such as an operating system, software drivers to directoperations through I/O circuitry, networking circuitry, and otherperipheral component circuitry. In addition, computing server 108includes operative application software such as network software forcommunicating with other computing devices, database software forbuilding and maintaining databases, and task management software fordistributing the communication and/or operational workload amongstvarious CPU's. The conventional hardware and software of computingserver 108 is not shown in FIG. 3 for simplicity.

Mobile devices such as mobile device 102 a include a processing unit 112b, memory logic 114 b, a transceiver 116 b, input/output (I/O) logic118, a user interface 120, and one or more timers 122. Transceiver 116 bmay include one transceiver or a plurality of transceivers. Transceiver116 b may include a personal area network (PAN) transceiver (e.g.,Bluetooth, near-field controller (NFC)), a local area network (LAN)transceiver (e.g., Ethernet, WiFi), a wide area network (WAN)transceiver (e.g., cellular, satellite), or some other transceiver. Inone case, for example, transceiver 116 b may include a cellulartransceiver to couple mobile device 102 a-102 n to other communicationdevices through wide area network 6. In some cases, software and data inmemory logic 114 b are communicated between mobile device 102 a-102 nand computing server 108 via the cellular transceiver 116 b. That is,bidirectional communication between mobile device 102 a-102 n and acomputing server 108 is facilitated by the cellular transceiver 116 b.In these and other cases, computing server 108 may download a new orupdated version of ASDC software (i.e., ASDC software application 130,ASDC background service 132, and the like) to the mobile device 102a-102 n over the wide area network 6. Mobile devices 102 a-102 n cancommunicate QoS measurement data stored in memory logic 114 b to thecomputing server 108 over the wide area network 6.

Configured within the memory logic 114 b, a hardware abstraction layer124 provides a software-based interface between an operating system(O/S) 126 and circuitry of the mobile device (i.e., processing unit 112b, I/O logic 118, and the like).

A plurality of user mode software applications 128 are illustrated asstored in memory logic 114 b including an adaptive speed data collection(ASDC) software application 130. An Internet browser, an electronic mail(email) client, and a word processing tool are also illustrated, but oneof skill in the art will recognize that a plurality of other softwareapplications may also be stored in the memory logic 114 b. The user modesoftware applications include a plurality of software instructionsexecutable by the processing unit 112 b, and each software applicationmay include storage space in memory logic 114 b for dedicated data,global data, shared data, and other types of designated data. User modesoftware applications 128 may or may not be arranged to communicateinformation through the I/O logic 118 and user interface 120, and theapplications may in some cases communicate data through the wide areanetwork 6 (FIG. 2) via transceiver 116 b.

Background services, which are administered by the 0/S 126, are alsostored in memory logic 114 b. A few such services are illustrated, andone of skill in the art will recognize that many more services aregenerally operating in a mobile device. One background service that isoperating in mobile device 102 a and other such devices is an adaptivespeed data collection (ASDC) background service 132. The ASDC softwareapplication 130 and the ASDC background service 132 cooperate to carryout the operations of the adaptive speed data collection (ASDC) testmethodology 110. In some embodiments, operations of one or both of theASDC software application 130 and the ASDC background service 132further cooperate with an optional external agent 134 embodied incomputing server 108.

Compared to a schedule-based data collection function, the ASDCbackground service 132 collects data from a mobile device 102 a-102 nwith a lower performance impact to the respective mobile device. TheASDC background service 132 provides a reduced impact on batteryconsumption and processor usage because the ASDC background service 132dynamically adjusts a time-duration between each instance of data samplecollection. What's more, the ASDC background service 132 is flexiblycontrollable from within the ASDC software application 130 and inaddition, or in the alternative, the ASDC background service 132 isflexibly controllable from an optional external agent 134 resident inthe control portion 108 b of the computing server 108.

The ASDC background service 132 may be configured to continue collectingQoS data when the ASDC software application 130 is not in the foregroundand even when the ASDC software application 130 is not loaded in activememory. This configuration also provides a benefit of reduced powerconsumption and reduced impact on processor usage.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of the ASDC test methodology 110 of FIG. 1 inmore detail. The ASDC software application 130 and ASDC backgroundservice 132 are prominently featured. The ASDC background service 132implemented in FIG. 4 includes a simple state controller 136 thatcalculates a desired sample time based on external parameters 138. Eachtime state controller 136 executes, at least one QoS data sample iscollected at 144. In some cases, the QoS data sample is immediately sentback to the data collection portion 108 a of computing server 108. Inother cases, a plurality of QoS data samples are collected and storedfor later communication back to the computing server 108. After the QoSdata is collected, state variables 142 are updated, and a new sampletime 164 value is calculated. An alarm is set at 160, and the mobiledevice 102 a-102 n enters a sleep mode.

Turning to the specific structure illustrated in FIG. 4, the adaptivespeed data collection (ASDC) software application 130 workscooperatively with the adaptive speed data collection (ASDC) backgroundservice 132. The ASDC software application 130 module includes a set ofsoftware instructions stored in memory and other logic to cooperativelycouple the application to a plurality of parameters 138 stored asvariables, structures, data sets, or the like in memory. The parameters138 module illustrated in FIG. 4 may include executable softwareinstructions and other logic to collect system data generated orotherwise stored in mobile device 102 a-102 n. The ASDC softwareapplication 130 is also cooperatively coupled with the external agent134.

External agent 134 is illustrated in a cooperative relationship 140 thatincludes external agent 134, ASDC software application 130, andparameters 138. These three modules are illustrated in a cooperativerelationship 140 because it is understood that some portions or allportions of the modules are stored and executed from the mobile device102 a-102 n. Alternatively, at least some portions of the external agent134 module may be stored and executed from the computing server 108. Asdiscussed herein, the ASDC test methodology 110 collects realistic andaccurate QoS data associated with wide area network 6. The collection ofsuch data may be adjusted or controlled based on a geolocation of theassociated mobile device 102 a-102 n, data traffic in a particularportion of coverage area 4 (FIG. 2), time of day, and many otherfactors. In some cases, these factors are selected, adjusted, orotherwise designated from the computing server 108; in other cases, thefactors are administered by mobile device 102 a-102 n via the ASDCsoftware application 130.

The ASDC background service 132 includes a state controller module 136,a state variables module 142, and a QoS data collection module 144. Thestate controller 136 can take many forms. Operations of state controller136 are described in the present disclosure with respect to FIG. 4, andfurther operations are described with respect to FIGS. 6A and 6B. Yetone more implementation is recognized in the discussion of the ASDC testmethodology 110 illustrated in FIG. 2. Accordingly, it is recognizedthat one of skill in the art will understand how to make and use such astate controller device without departing from the concepts describedherein.

When the state controller module 136 begins an iteration sequence, a QoSdata collection state 144 operation collects one or a plurality of QoSdatums. In steady-state operation, the iteration sequence of the statecontroller module 136 begins after a timer expires (e.g., timers 122 inFIG. 3) and an alarm interrupt is triggered. In other cases, such aswhen the ASDC background service 132 is loaded and initialized, the QoSdata collection state 144 is entered. In still other cases, the ASDCsoftware application 130 or the external agent 134 may set conditions tobegin a state controller module 136 sequence.

The state controller module 136 includes a prominent set-sample-timestate 146. When a sequence of the state controller module 136 commences,a QoS data collection state 144 executes, and after the QoS datacollection state 144 executes, other states of the state controllermodule 136 provide input and analysis to the set-sample-time state 146.The set-sample-time state 146 will calculate a sample time, load thesample time into an alarm timer, and then go into a sleep mode.Accordingly, the “sample time” is the amount of time that the ASDCbackground service 132 will remain asleep, and thus, the “sample time”is also the amount of time that will elapse between one QoS datacollection state 144 and another.

To determine the magnitude of a “next sample time,” the state controller138 compares a “fresh” (i.e., current) version of input parameters to a“stale” (i.e., previous) version of the input parameters. Based on thecomparisons of the plurality of input parameters, the state variablesare updated. After the state variables are updated, the state controllermodule 136 stores the input parameters and the state variables for thenext cycle. Along these lines, the fresh and stale versions of theparameters and the state variables may be stored and retrieved as neededvia the external parameters module 138 and the state variables module142.

The sample time value will be set based on an analysis and one or morecalculations using state variable information generated in a pluralityof other states. For example, a default state 148 will initialize statevariables to default values, will return state variables to known statesafter state controller 136 has run through a cycle, and provide otherinitialization information.

A triggers state 150 will specify parameters used to cause the statecontroller 136 to change the sample time. A rules state 152 will specifythe amount of change to the sample time that will occur from updates ofthe trigger parameters made during the triggers state 150.

Two other optional states are also recognized in the state controller136 implementation of FIG. 4. An optional ASDC/Schedule-Based state 154is implemented for backwards compatibility with conventional QoS datacollection methodologies. In particular, when the state controller 136begins a cycle, the ASDC/Schedule-Based state 154 quickly determineswhether or not a schedule-based methodology is enabled. If aschedule-based methodology is enabled, execution of the state controller136 is quickly ended. In some cases, the sample time is set to infinityin the set-sample-time state 146, which prevents the ASDC backgroundservice 132 from automatic reactivation. In other cases, the statecontroller cycle is merely ended. When the ASDC test methodology 110 isenabled, a sample time is calculated using the set-sample-time state146.

An optional enable/disable state 156 is also implemented in the statecontroller module 136. In one implementation, the ASDC softwareapplication 130 sends a particular command sequence to the ASDCbackground service, for example via a host operating system's messagingsystem. In some embodiments, the enable/disable state 156 will rememberits enabled or disabled state across device reboots. In these cases, thestate controller 136 will retain its previous state information. Inother cases, upon a device reboot, the state controller 136 willrecognize an “initial start” and a default sample time via default state148. Subsequent sample times will be calculated in the set-sample-timestate 146 using input from the triggers state 150 and rules state 152.

FIG. 5A is a representative embodiment of trigger definitions applied inthe trigger state 150 of state controller module 136 of FIG. 4. Thetrigger definitions in FIG. 5A are presented in a table format andidentified as Table 1. A leftmost column of Table 1 identifies eightinput parameters, which are associated with the external parametersmodule 138 of FIG. 4. The eight input parameters in Table 1 arenon-limiting. More, fewer, or different input parameters are alsoconsidered. For purposes of explanation of the embodiment, a freshversion of each of the parameters is interrogated each time the statecontroller module 136 begins a sequence. Respective ones of the freshversion are compared with a stale version of the correspondingparameters, and based on the comparison, a set of state variables areupdated. The state variables guide particular actions in the statecontroller module 136 to update the sample time using theset-sample-time state 146. After the fresh/stale input variablecomparisons are performed, the fresh version of the input parametersreplaces the stale version of corresponding input parameters in theexternal parameters module 138.

The center column of Table 1 in FIG. 5A identifies particular triggeringevents associated with each of the input parameters. In effect, thetrigger events represent threshold values for determining whether or notthe comparison of a fresh input parameter to a stale input parameterwill cause action within the state controller module 136 to update thesample time. For example, if any changes to a Cell ID, a Call State, aNetwork Type, or a Connection Type are detected between two iterationcycles of the state controller 136 module, the detected change willindicate action taken in the state controller module 136 to update thesample time (i.e., the time between QoS data collection operations). Inthe same way, fresh versions of other parameters in Table 1 are comparedto stale versions of corresponding parameters.

The third column of Table 1 in FIG. 5A identifies trigger definitions orother data associated with the particular input parameters. In somecases, the trigger definitions column indicates a range of values thatmay be taken by the particular parameter; in other cases, the triggerdefinitions, indicates particular notes that guide the comparison oraction to be taken upon a detected change.

The definitions of Table 1 in FIG. 5A are substantiallyself-explanatory. The “Teleport” parameter is further explained. It isrecognized that the time between active cycles of state controller 136may be very short (e.g., 10 milliseconds) or very long (e.g., severalseconds, minutes, or hours). When the time between two consecutivecycles of state controller 136 is long, it is contemplated that a firstGPS position is reported on a first cycle and a second, different GPSposition is reported on a second cycle, but during each the first andsecond cycles, the mobile device 102 a-102 n is stationary. In this way,it would appear to the state controller 136 that the mobile device 102a-102 n has “teleported” from one location to another.

One the many ways that a mobile device 102 a-102 n can appear toteleport is when the mobile device 102 a-102 n is in an automobile. Inthis case, if the user is driving in an urban environment, the vehiclemay be stopped at a first stoplight when state controller 136 executesone cycle, and the vehicle may be stopped at a second stoplight whenstate controller 136 executes another cycle. The mobile device GPS inthis circumstance would report two different locations, but it would notreport any active motion (i.e., zero velocity).

FIG. 5B is a representative embodiment of rule definitions applied inthe rules state 152 of the state controller module 136 of FIG. 4. Therule definitions in FIG. 5B are presented in a table format andidentified as Table 2. In Table 2, rules are defined for three sets oftrigger conditions: 1) independent triggers, 2) when a trigger haschanged, and 3) when no triggers have changed.

Turning to the first, leftmost set of trigger conditions (i.e.,independent triggers), two rules are defined. In a first rule, wheneverthe ASDC test methodology 110 initializes, the sample time (i.e., thetime between QoS data collection operations) will be set in the statecontroller module 136 to a default value. The default value illustratedin the non-limiting embodiment of Table 2 is 10 seconds, but othervalues are also contemplated. In the non-limiting embodiment, 10 secondsis considered a minimum sample time, which means about 10 seconds willelapse between two passes of QoS data collection state 144. In a secondrule, whenever the mobile device 102 a-102 n reboots, the sample timewill be set in the state controller module 136 to a default value, whichin the embodiment of Table 2 is 10 seconds.

Turning to the center set of trigger conditions (i.e., when a triggerhas changed), four particular rules are defined. A first rule is a“variable” change made to the sample time when movement of the mobiledevice 102 a-102 n is detected. A non-limiting default value of 50meters is selected and divided by the detected speed of the mobiledevice 102 a-102 n, which is measured in meters per second. The resultof the division is a number of seconds by which the sample time will bechanged. A second rule will recognize a decrease in a particular inputparameter. If such a decrease is detected, then the sample time may beset to a minimum value, which may be 10 seconds. In a third rule, when aparticular “hold” condition is detected, the sample time will not bechanged between consecutive iterations of the state controller module136, and in a fourth rule, if “teleport” activity (i.e., changedlocation, but zero velocity) is detected, the sample time will be set tothe minimum value.

In the rightmost set of trigger conditions (i.e., when no triggers havechanged), two particular rules are defined. In a first rule, if notriggers have changed between consecutive cycles of the state controllermodule 136, sample time will be increased by 10 seconds. This conditionmay occur, for example, when a user has set their mobile device 102a-102 n on a desk, or in some other like condition. In the second rule,when the mobile device 102 a-102 n is in a static state, such as mightoccur overnight, or when the mobile device 102 a-102 n has been sittingon the desk or a table for many hours, the sample time is increased by amore substantial increment of four times its previous value.

Another condition that may occur is the recognition by the statecontroller module 136 that mobile device 102 a-102 n is communicativelycoupled to a local area network (LAN) via a WiFi connection. In thiscase, the state controller module 136 may recognize or otherwise bedirected not to collect large amounts of cellular data when data isactually being communicated via a WiFi communication path. In caseswhere the WiFi trigger is not enable, when a user is at home or in anoffice building, for example, motion of the mobile device 102 a-102 n orsignificant changes in cellular signal strength may cause the ASDCmethodology to sample an undesirable amount of uninteresting data. Inthese cases, even if the location of the mobile device 102 a-102 n orWiFi connection is later identified to post-process and remove theundesirable, uninteresting data, benefits are realized when the data isnot collected at all.

FIG. 5C is a representative embodiment of sampled parameters; any one ormore of which may be captured in the QoS data collection state 144 ofthe state controller module 136 of FIG. 4. The sampled parameters inFIG. 5C are presented in a table format and identified as Table 3. InTable 2, several dozen parameters are identified, which will berecognized by one of skill in the art as having particular value in theanalysis of quality of services delivered via a wide area network 6.When the parameters of Table 3 are captured, the data is stored in amemory of mobile device 102 a-102 n for immediate or later communicationto the data collection portion 108 a of computing server 108. In somecases, the sampled parameters are sent as raw text data, and in othercases, the sampled parameters are processed prior to communication.

FIG. 6A is a first portion of a flowchart of the ASDC test methodology110A of FIG. 4 in more detail; FIG. 6B is a second portion of theflowchart of the ASDC test methodology 110A of FIG. 4 in more detail.The two flowcharts 110A and 110B cooperate to describe one non-limitingembodiment of the ASDC test methodology 110 described in the presentdisclosure.

Along the lines of FIGS. 6A and 6B, an implementation of and ASDC testmethodology has been constructed with a host application and abackground service. The background service is constructed around a statecontroller, which is subject to several constraints as described herein.Some constraints governing a non-limiting implementation were imposed bya host operating system (O/S) executing on the mobile device 102 a-102 nand the available application programming interface (API) calls that areexposed. In this regard, the state controller in at least oneimplementation has been built using the ANDROID SERVICE COMPONENT, whichsets forth an operational paradigm to perform background execution whenthe host application is not in focus. Also included in theimplementation is a methodology that dynamically and flexibly strikes abalance between collecting QoS data and reducing the effect of the QoSdata collection activity on battery usage and on the overall performanceof the device. The implementation incorporates a “sleeping” servicedesign, which allows the device to enter sleep or even deep sleepbetween state controller iterations by scheduling sample times usinghardware-based timers and selected API's that expose the alarm functionsof the timers.

To add configurability to the ASDC test methodology, the activation oftriggers may be programmatically selectable or user selectable via theASDC software application. Similarly, the rules applied by the statecontroller may also be adjustable. This configurability is intended tofind a commercially acceptable tradeoff between capturing device andwireless network key performance indicators (i.e., QoS data) and savingpower and processing unit cycles by remaining dormant. For each trigger,a host application or Web service API provides the selection of whichtrigger is active or inactive. An inactive trigger will simply notfactor into the decision of activating a relevant rule. In someinstances, the parameter threshold for the trigger is modifiable.Additionally, a common or shared infrastructure can be used to selecttriggers and to adjust the rules used to compute the sample time in thestate controller. As a result, the data sample rate can be made toincrease or decrease at varying rates in response to an activatedtrigger.

Using selectable triggers and adjustable rules also enables the remotecomputing server, host application, or state controller the ability toperform relaxed to aggressive data sampling related to targeted dataparameters, and thus to particular device or network conditions. Newtriggers and rules can be created dynamically from an external agentbased on historical factors and current factors such as geo-location,data traffic, time of day, and any other factors. New trigger selectionsand adjusted rules may then be uploaded to the mobile device using theinfrastructure described herein.

In FIG. 6A, processing begins at 600 when the background service isinitiated or otherwise woken up. At 602, current input parametersassociated with various aspects of a mobile device are loaded. In oneembodiment, the input parameters may correspond to some or all of theinput parameters identified in Table 1 (FIG. 5A). Also at 602, QoS datais collected. The QoS data collected may include one or more of theparameters identified in Table 3 (FIG. 5C).

At 603, the connection type of the mobile device is evaluated. If theconnection type is determined to be WiFi, or if it is determined inother ways that the mobile device is communicating data over anon-cellular connection, then it may be beneficial to change the currentvalue of sample time. In this case, optional processing at 655 isperformed.

At 655, the state controller has determined or otherwise been directedthat various QoS measurements may have little value because data isbeing communicated by the mobile device over a WiFi or othernon-cellular connection. In these cases, the current value of sampletime, “SampleT,” will be loaded with a maximum sample time, “MaxST.”Optionally, in some embodiments, after making such determination andloading the current sample time variable, other temporary variables arecleared, an alarm is set, and the background service enters a sleep modeat 656. In these embodiments, the background service will remain in thesleep mode until the alarm time (i.e., SampleT) expires or some othercondition restarts the state controller. In other alternativeembodiments, after setting the SampleT variable to the maximum sampletime, processing proceeds at 604.

If the connection type is not WiFi, or in some optional embodimentswhere processing continues even during a WiFi connection, processingcontinues to 604 wherein a state controller determines whether any inputtriggers have changed. In view of Table 1, the state controller mayindividually look at each trigger by comparing the fresh (i.e., current)value of the trigger with a stale (i.e., previous) version of thecorresponding trigger. Alternatively, all of the triggers may becombined such that collectively, a determination is made of whether ornot any triggers have changed. If it is determined that at least onetrigger has changed, processing advances to 620. Conversely, if it isdetermined that no triggers have changed, processing falls to 606.

At 606, a particular variable, “NumIdle,” is incremented. The NumIdlevariable keeps track of the number of consecutive times that the statecontroller sequence has passed through and no triggers have changed. Afirst temporary sample time variable, “TmpST1,” is loaded with thecurrent value of sample time, “SampleT,” plus a minimum sample timevalue, “MinST.” Processing at 606 may be according to the third set oftrigger conditions of Table 2 (FIG. 5B), i.e., when no triggers havechanged. In this way, if no triggers have changed after a previoussample time of 10 seconds, for example, the new sample time will beincremented to 20 seconds. If no triggers have changed after this newperiod of 20 seconds, the new sample time will be increased to 30seconds. This processing at 606 will occur when the state controllerdetermines that no triggers have changed at 604.

The processing at 606 that increments sample time is interrogated at608. At 608, the NumIdle variable is compared to a first threshold,“Thresh1,” which may be set to four. Other values for Thresh1 are alsoconsidered, however, in the present embodiment, if four consecutivepasses through the state controller have each indicated that no triggershave been changed, then processing falls through to 610. At 610, thestate controller updates the TmpST1 temporary sample time variable bymultiplying the current sample time, SampleT by four. In this way, thebackground service will sleep four times longer on its next pass than itdid on its most recent pass. In this case, the NumIdle variable is alsoreset to zero. Alternatively at 608, if any of the previous fourconsecutive passes through the state controller has indicated a triggerhas changed, then the NumIdle variable will not yet have exceededThresh1, and processing will continue to 612.

At 612, the value of TmpST1, which has been incremented, is compared toa second threshold, “Thresh2.” In some embodiments, the second thresholdis set to 300 seconds (i.e., 5 minutes). Since sample time may have anyprevious value when a particular iteration through the state controllerdetects that no triggers have changed, the sample time may previouslyhave been set to any other value. Alternatively, the state controllermay have detected that the mobile device has been idle for a long time,and the sample time has grown large. In this case, when the threshold isexceeded, the TmpST1 temporary sample time variable is set to“MaxIdleST.” In one embodiment, MaxIdleST is initialized to 300 seconds(i.e., 5 minutes), but in other cases different values are considered.

Processing at 616 is entered after the completion of processing at 610,after the completion of processing at 614, or if TMPST1 did not exceedThresh2 at 612. At 616, TmpST1 is compared to a third threshold,“Thresh3,” which in the present embodiment is set to 900 seconds (i.e.,15 minutes), but in other cases different values are considered.

If the third threshold is exceeded, which may occur through extendedperiods of the mobile device being idle, processing falls to 618. At618, the first temporary sample time variable, TmpST1, is set to themaximum sample time, “MaxST.” In some cases, MaxST is set to 900seconds. Following the processing at 618, or if the third threshold isnot exceeded, processing progresses to 652 (FIG. 6B).

At 620, which is entered from an affirmative determination that at leastone trigger has changed and 604, particular triggers are interrogatedindividually or collectively. The particular triggers, which inprocessing at 620 include the first four triggers of Table 1, merelylook to see if there has been any change between the previous iterationof the state controller and the current iteration of the statecontroller. If any change is detected, it is determined that asignificant event has occurred, and QoS data samples should be collectedrather quickly. Accordingly, at 624, a second temporary sample timevariable, “TmpST2” is set to MinST. After setting TmpST2 at 624, or ifnone of the first four triggers has changed, processing falls to 622.

At 622 a current value of signal strength is compared to a previousvalue of signal strength. If no change in signal strength is detected,processing falls to 632 (FIG. 6B). Conversely, if a change in signalstrength has been detected, the magnitude of the change in signalstrength is compared to a fourth threshold value, “Thresh4.” In oneembodiment, Thresh4 is set to 10 dBm, but other values could also bechosen. If the signal strength change is less than Thresh4, the changeis not recognized as significant, and instead the change is reasonableunder normal operating conditions. Accordingly, in this case, processingfalls to 628 where a third temporary sample time variable, “TmpST3,” isset to the current value of sample time, SampleT. In this way, thebackground service will sleep or otherwise remain idle for the same timeas its most recent iteration. On the other hand, if the change to signalstrength does cross Thresh4, then processing falls to 630 where TmpST3is loaded with the MinST value. After TmpST3 is loaded at 628 or 630,processing falls to 632 (FIG. 6B).

In FIG. 6B, the analysis of processing begins at 632. At 632, the statecontroller determines if the mobile device is in motion. If the mobiledevice is not in motion, processing falls to 644. Alternatively,processing falls to 634, and a fourth temporary sample time value,“TmpST4,” is loaded with a particular calculation. In the particularcalculation a certain distance of movement, “Dist” is set to 50 meters.The value of Dist is divided by the current speed, “Speed,” of themobile device. Since the value of Dist is measured in meters, and sincethe speed of the mobile device is measured in meters per second,dividing Dist by Speed will result in a value measured in seconds.Recognizing exemplary cases, if the mobile device is moving at a speedof 5 m/s, which may indicate a person on a bicycle, or running, TmpST4will be set to a value of, or otherwise incremented by, 10 seconds. Onthe other hand, if the person is walking with their mobile device thespeed may indicate 1.66 m/s, and in this case, TmpST4 will be set to avalue of, or otherwise incremented by, 30 seconds. Processing from 634falls to processing at 636.

At 636, the state machine controller considers the updated TmpST4variable, and if this fourth temporary sample time falls below MinST,then the fourth temporary sample time is set to MinST at 638, andprocessing continues to 644. Alternatively, if TmpST4 is the same orgreater than MinST, then TmpST4 is compared to a new threshold at 640.The new threshold is the maximum amount of time allowed when the deviceis in motion, “MaxSTMv.” If TmpST4 crosses the MaxSTMv threshold, thenTmpST4 is set to MaxSTMv at 642 and processing falls to 644.Alternatively, if TmpST4 does not cross the MaxSTMv threshold, thenTmpST4 retains its previously set value, and processing falls to 644.

At 644, a teleport trigger is interrogated. The teleport triggerindicates whether or not the mobile device has moved since the mostrecent pass through the method even though no motion is detected. If themobile device appears to have teleported, then it is believed thatvaluable QoS data may be generated. In this case, a fifth temporarysample time variable, “TmpST5,” is set to MinST at 646 and processingfalls to 652. Alternatively, processing at 648 determines if a “ScreenOn” condition has been triggered. If the Screen On condition istriggered, then a set of initialization rules are performed at 650.

The initialization rules at 650 may reset the entire background service.One mechanism that may be used to trigger the Screen On conditionincludes a particular key sequence or some other user input. The keysequence may be detected via the ASDC software host application or insome other way.

At 652, processing determines which of all of the temporary sample timevariables (i.e., TmpST1, TmpST2, TmpST3, TmpST4, and TmpST5) has thelowest value, and processing falls to 654.

At 654, the SampleT variable is updated to the temporary sample timevariable that has the lowest value. In this way, it is recognized, thata plurality of different triggers, and a plurality of different rulesapplied to the triggers, may each act independently to set up orotherwise adjust a particularly temporary sample time variable. If therules and conditions in any particular case indicate less valuable orless useful QoS data at a current time, then a temporary sample timevariable is increased, which are conditions to allow the backgroundservice to sleep for a longer period of time. On the other hand, if therules and conditions in a certain case indicate more valuable or moreuseful QoS data at a current time, then that associated temporary sampletime variable is reduced. Near the end of processing in the statecontroller, all of the temporary sample time variables are interrogated,and the lowest value is selected for use in loading the variableSampleT.

Also at 654, the temporary values are all cleared, and the value SampleTis loaded into an alarm. The background service will then enter a sleepmode at 656 and remain in the sleep mode until the alarm time (i.e.,SampleT) expires or when some other condition restarts the statecontroller. When the background service awakes or is otherwise started,processing begins again at 600.

In the present disclosure, various aspects of an adaptive speed datacollection (ASDC) test methodology have been described in context of thecollection of QoS data for a wide area network, such as a mobilecellular network. Certain aspects include a broad picture of the systemas in FIG. 2, and other aspects are described with respect to aparticular mobile device 102 a. Still other aspects are described in ablock diagram representing portions of a computing server 108, a usermode ASDC host software application 130, and an ASDC background service132. Along these lines, particular triggers and rules were alsodiscussed alongside these embodiments in context of the triggers andrules definitions in Table 1 (FIG. 5A) and Table 2 (FIG. 5B). Turningback to the rules in Table 2, various graphs are now presented thatillustrate an adaptive data speed. In this respect, the particularmobile device 102 a-102 n will sleep before a certain amount of time(i.e., a “sample time”) between operations that collect QoS data.

FIGS. 7A-7D are now presented. The figures include particular data froman exemplary embodiment. The data and illustrations are not limiting.Instead, the data and illustrations indicate how one implementation ofan ASDC test methodology operate to reduce battery usage, reduceprocessing unit cycles, and provide other benefits.

FIG. 7A is a representative graph of sample time changing under ano-triggers condition.

When none of the triggers are changing, the state controller addskINCREASE_SAMPLE_TIME_INCREMENT to the current Sample Time. If at anypoint the new calculated Sample Time exceedskMAXIMUM_NOT_MOVING_SAMPLE_TIME, then Sample Time is set tokMAXIMUM_NOT_MOVING_SAMPLE_TIME. In FIG. 7A, this is indicated as the“NC Max” value. If the state controller determines at any point in aseries of state controller cycles that none of the triggers have changedfor four Sample Times, the current Sample Time is multiplied by four. Astime passes, if all of the triggers remain unchanging, then Sample Timeis again multiplied by four, and so on. In this way it is shown in FIG.7A that Sample Time increments first by increments of 10 seconds. Then,after four consecutive sequences of 10-second increments, Sample Time ismultiplied by four, which results in Sample Time being set to 160seconds. If or when the calculated Sample Time exceedskMAXIMUM_STATIC_SAMPLE_TIME, it is set to kMAXIMUM_STATIC_SAMPLE_TIME.In FIG. 7A, this condition is illustrated as “Static Max.” As timepasses, whenever a change to a trigger is detected, the Sample Timevariable will be set accordingly. Then, the next time a no-triggercondition is detected, the state controller will restart the Sample Timeincreases at 10 seconds. In FIG. 7A, the following values were used:

kINCREASE_SAMPLE_TIME_INCREMENT=10 seconds.

kMAXIMUM_NOT_MOVING_SAMPLE_TIME=5 minutes.

kMAXIMUM_STATIC_SAMPLE_TIME=15 minutes.

FIG. 7B is a representative graph of sample time changing when a mobiledevice is in a device-moving condition. The mobile device determinesthat it is moving from interrogating a GPS to determine a GPS Speedvalue. In FIG. 7B, for different values, V1-V4, are indicated. The GPSspeed variable has the unit meters per second. From the GPS speedvariable, the state controller calculates Sample Time by dividing akDESIRED_SAMPLE_DISTANCE constant by the current GPS speed value. TheSample camp time calculation has both floor and ceiling values set bykMINIMUM_STATIC_SAMPLE_TIME and kMAXIMUM_STATIC_SAMPLE_TIME,respectively.

In FIG. 7B, the following values were used:

kDESIRED_SAMPLE_DISTANCE=50 meters.

kMINIMUM_SAMPLE_TIME=10 seconds.

kMAXIMUM_MOVING_SAMPLE_TIME=5 minutes.

FIG. 7C is a representative graph of sample time changing under atrigger-activated condition. When any one of the triggers is changing,which is indicated by “TC” in FIG. 7C, and if the mobile device is alsonot moving, then Sample Time is set to kMINIMUM_SAMPLE_TIME. If it anytime the mobile device starts to move, the state controller will revertto the rule for a moving device, which is illustrated in FIG. 7B.

In FIG. 7C, the following value was used:

kDESIRED_SAMPLE_DISTANCE=50 meters.

kMINIMUM_SAMPLE_TIME=10 seconds.

FIG. 7D is a representative graph of sample time held fixed under a holdcondition. In at least some of the present embodiments, the statecontroller implements a “hold” rule that will keep the Sample Time atthe same value as a previous Sample Time. In at least some of theseembodiments, the hold rule is only applied when the signal strength haschanged but the magnitude of the change is reasonably small. In theembodiment of FIG. 7D, the hold rule is applied when a signal strengthchanges detected. At a first trigger condition, TC, the signal strengthchange exceeded the threshold of 10 dBm, and the Sample Time was reducedfrom 90 seconds to 60 seconds. In subsequent passes through the statecontroller, the threshold was not met, and the hold rule was applied.Accordingly, through the subsequent passes, Sample Time remainsconstant.

Non-limiting embodiments of computing devices such as computing server108 and mobile devices 102 a-102 n are referenced and described herein,but certain details of such devices are not described for the sake ofbrevity and simplicity. The computing devices are understood to includeoperative hardware found in a conventional computing apparatuses such asone or more central processing units (CPU's), volatile and non-volatilememory, serial and parallel input/output (I/O) circuitry compliant withvarious standards and protocols, wired and/or wireless networkingcircuitry (e.g., a communications transceiver), and the like.

Along these lines, the terms processor, processing unit, and the likeare used in the present disclosure to refers to one or more processingunits individually, shared, or in a group, having one or more processingcores (e.g., execution units), including central processing units(CPUs), digital signal processors (DSPs), microprocessors, microcontrollers, state machines, state controllers, and the like thatexecute instructions. For example, as used herein, a processing unit mayinclude all or any portions of a host applications processor, a basebandprocessing unit, a security module processing unit, and other processingunits in a single structure or a distributed structure.

In the present disclosure, various software applications, applets,functions, and the like are discussed. The software discussed herein isformed of processor-executable instructions stored in memory logic. Thememory logic may be arranged in one configuration or another. The memorylogic may be arranged to store software instructions, data, or softwareinstructions and data. As known by one skilled in the art, the memorylogic comprises any combination of volatile and non-volatilecomputer-readable media for reading and writing. Volatilecomputer-readable media includes, for example, random access memory(RAM). Non-volatile computer-readable media includes, for example, readonly memory (ROM), magnetic media such as a hard-disk, an optical diskdrive, a flash memory device, a CD-ROM, and/or the like. In some cases,a particular memory is separated virtually or physically into separateareas, such as a first memory, a second memory, a third memory, etc. Inthese cases, it is understood that the different divisions of memory maybe in different devices or embodied in a single memory.

In the alternative or in addition, the memory logic may be comprised asa non-transitory computer readable medium (CRM) wherein the CRM isconfigured to store instructions executable by a processor. Theinstructions may be stored individually or as groups of instructions infiles. The files may include applications, functions, services,libraries, and the like. The files may include one or more computerprograms or may be part of a larger computer program. Alternatively orin addition, each file may include data or other computational supportmaterial useful to carry out the computing functions of the systems,methods, and apparatus described in the present disclosure.

With respect to data stored in memory, the adaptive speed datacollection (ASDC) test methodology applications and services may operateby converting the collected quality of service (QoS) data, generateddata, or other data into a markup language such as XML. Alternatively,or in addition, the ASDC applications and services may copy files ordirect other applications or services to copy files. The copied filesmay be converted to a markup language, compressed, and combined (e.g.,ZIP file, TAR file, etc.) into a small, easily transportable file or setof files. In this manner, particular sets of quality of service data canbe created and more easily copied to a data collection server.

Buttons, keypads, computer mice, memory cards, serial ports, bio-sensorreaders, touch screens, and the like may individually or in cooperationbe useful to a user of mobile devices 102 a-102 n. The input devicesmay, for example, input control information into the mobile devices 102a-102 n. Displays, printers, memory cards, LED indicators, audio devices(e.g., speakers, piezo device, etc.), vibrators, and the like are alluseful to present output information to a mobile device user. In somecases, the input and output devices are electronically coupled to theCPU or other operative circuitry. In other cases, the input and outputdevices pass information via one or more communication ports (e.g.,RS-232, RS-485, infrared, USB, and the like.)

In the present disclosure the term “mobile device” is used to indicate acomputing device capable of communicating through a wide area wirelesscommunications network such as a cellular mobile device network, asatellite mobile device network, or some other mobile device network. Itis understood that the device capable of such communication may itselfbe mobile or otherwise portable. Conversely, the device capable of suchcommunication may be temporarily or permanently stationary. As usedherein, a mobile device may be embodied as cellular phone, a smartphone,a tablet, a laptop computer, a wearable computer, a motor vehiclecomputer, a stationary piece of wireless communications equipment thatis integrated or otherwise associated with another data producing ordata gathering device, or some other like device configured tocommunicate via a wide area network. The term mobile device as usedherein is not intended to be limiting; instead, the term is used to helpa reader understand various embodiments of the disclosure.

The term “logic,” as used herein, may refer to circuitry, software, or acombination of circuitry and software.

As used herein, the term “module” refers to an electronic circuit, aprocessor (e.g., shared, dedicated, group, single core, multicore, orthe like) and memory operative to execute one or more software orfirmware programs, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), acombinational logic circuit, or some other individual or cooperativecoupling of suitable components (either hardware or software) thatprovides the functionally described with respect to the module.

Any flowcharts presented herein, even unconventional flowcharts whereinblocks are illustrated to communicate data, illustrate processes thatmay be used by embodiments of the devices described herein to load aprioritized AID routing table. In this regard, each described processmay represent a module, segment, or portion of software code, whichcomprises one or more executable instructions for implementing thespecified logical function(s). It should also be noted that in someimplementations, the functions noted in the process may occur in adifferent order, may include additional functions, may occurconcurrently, and/or may be omitted.

Where a range of values is provided, it is understood that eachintervening value, to the tenth of the unit of the lower limit unlessthe context clearly dictates otherwise, between the upper and lowerlimit of that range and any other stated or intervening value in thatstated range is encompassed within the invention. The upper and lowerlimits of these smaller ranges may independently be included in thesmaller ranges is also encompassed within the invention, subject to anyspecifically excluded limit in the stated range. Where the stated rangeincludes one or both of the limits, ranges excluding either or both ofthose included limits are also included in the invention.

Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used hereinhave the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill inthe art to which this invention belongs. Although any methods andmaterials similar or equivalent to those described herein can also beused in the practice or testing of the present invention, a limitednumber of the exemplary methods and materials are described herein.Along these lines, particular terms associated with software design anddevelopment have the same meaning as commonly understood by one ofordinary skill in the software arts. For example, the terms “minimum,”“maximum,” and the like are understood to be floor or ceiling values setin a software context.

In the foregoing description, certain specific details are set forth inorder to provide a thorough understanding of various disclosedembodiments. However, one skilled in the relevant art will recognizethat embodiments may be practiced without one or more of these specificdetails, or with other methods, components, materials, etc. In otherinstances, well-known structures associated with electronic andcomputing systems including client and server computing systems, as wellas networks have not been shown or described in detail to avoidunnecessarily obscuring descriptions of the embodiments.

Unless the context requires otherwise, throughout the specification andclaims which follow, the word “comprise” and variations thereof, suchas, “comprises” and “comprising” are to be construed in an open,inclusive sense, e.g., “including, but not limited to.”

Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment” or “anembodiment” and variations thereof means that a particular feature,structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodimentis included in at least one embodiment. Thus, the appearances of thephrases “in one embodiment” or “in an embodiment” in various placesthroughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to thesame embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, orcharacteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or moreembodiments.

As used in this specification and the appended claims, the singularforms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the contentclearly dictates otherwise. It should also be noted that the term “or”is generally employed in its sense including “and/or” unless the contentclearly dictates otherwise.

The headings and Abstract of the Disclosure provided herein are forconvenience only and do not interpret the scope or meaning of theembodiments.

The various embodiments described above can be combined to providefurther embodiments.

These and other changes can be made to the embodiments in light of theabove-detailed description. In general, in the following claims, theterms used should not be construed to limit the claims to the specificembodiments disclosed in the specification and the claims, but should beconstrued to include all possible embodiments along with the full scopeof equivalents to which such claims are entitled. Accordingly, theclaims are not limited by the disclosure.

1. A mobile device, comprising: a memory means for storing at least twosets of software instructions, the at least two sets of softwareinstructions including a first set of software instructions organized asa host application and a second set of software instructions organizedas a background service; a processing means for executing the at leasttwo sets of software instructions; an interface arranged to pass inputvariables from the memory means to the background service; and a timingmeans for interrupting the processing means when a first time durationexpires, the first time duration corresponding to a sample time value,wherein the second set of software instructions organized as thebackground service direct the processing means to: collect quality ofservice (QoS) data associated with a certain wide area network;determine a new sample time that is increased by a first amount when anabsence of movement of the mobile device is determined and that isincreased by a second amount when a continued absence of movement of themobile device is determined, the second amount being larger than thefirst amount; load the timing means with the new sample time value; andsuspend operation of the background service until the timing meansinterrupts the processing means after a second time durationcorresponding to the new sample time value expires.
 2. A mobile deviceaccording to claim 1, further comprising: a transceiver means forsending collected QoS data to a remote data collection server.
 3. Amobile device according to claim 2, further comprising: a user interfacemeans for presenting information representing at least some of thecollected QoS data in cooperation with the first set of softwareinstructions organized as the host application.
 4. A mobile deviceaccording to claim 3 wherein the transceiver means is also for receivingcontrol information from a remote data control server, the controlinformation arranged to modify rules that are applied to assertedtriggers, the new sample time value based on said rules and assertedtriggers.
 5. A mobile device according to claim 4 wherein the assertedtriggers include at least one of a cell identifier, a call state, anetwork type, a connection type, a signal strength value, a mobiledevice movement value, a mobile device user activity value, and ascreen-on value.
 6. A mobile device according to claim 5 wherein todetermine the new sample time value, the second set of softwareinstructions organized as the background service further directs theprocessing means to load the new sample time value based on at least oneof: a change to the cell identifier; a change to the network type; achange to the connection type; a change in signal strength that exceedsa predetermined power ratio value; a user activity of the mobile device;and a change in screen state of the mobile device.
 7. A mobile deviceaccording to claim 1 wherein the first set of software instructionsorganized as the host application configure the processing means todirect operations of the second set of software instructions organizedas the background service.
 8. A mobile device system, comprising: a datacollection server arranged to communicate with a mobile device; and adata control server arranged to direct at least some operations of themobile device, wherein the mobile device is arranged to execute a hostapplication and a background service, the mobile device having a timerthat triggers execution of background service operations afterexpiration of a variable sample time value, the background serviceoperations including: collecting quality of service (QoS) dataassociated with a certain wide area network, the QoS data communicatedfrom the mobile device to the data collection server; receiving ruleinformation passed from the data control server; updating the variablesample time value based on the rule information, wherein the variablesample time value is increased by a first amount when an absence ofmovement of the mobile device is determined and wherein the variablesample time value is increased by a second amount when a continuedabsence of movement of the mobile device is determined, the secondamount being larger than the first amount; loading the timer with theupdated variable sample time value; and suspending operation of thebackground service until the timer expires.
 9. A mobile device systemaccording to claim 8 wherein the data collection server and the datacontrol server are configured in a single computing server.
 10. A mobiledevice system according to claim 8 wherein the data control server isarranged to send updated rule information to the mobile device.
 11. Amobile device system according to claim 8 wherein the data collectionserver is arranged to concurrently communicate with a plurality ofmobile devices and wherein the data control server is arranged to directat least some operations of the plurality of mobile devices.
 12. Amobile device system according to claim 8 wherein the background serviceoperations of the mobile device are transparent to a user of the mobiledevice.
 13. A mobile device system according to claim 8 wherein themobile device includes a user interface, and wherein the hostapplication is arranged to present information representing at leastsome of the collected QoS data via the user interface.
 14. Anon-transitory computer-readable storage medium whose stored contentsconfigure a mobile device to perform a method, the method comprising:executing, with a background service of the mobile device, a firstquality of service (QoS) data collection operation and a second QoS datacollection operation, wherein time that passes between execution of thefirst QoS data collection operation and execution of the second QoS datacollection operation has a first time duration; executing, with thebackground service, a third QoS data collection operation and a fourthQoS data collection operation, wherein time that passes betweenexecution of the third QoS data collection operation and execution ofthe fourth QoS data collection operation has a second time duration, thefirst time duration being different from the second time duration,wherein after each QoS data collection operation, a new sleep timeduration is determined, the new sleep time duration being increased by afirst amount when an absence of movement of the mobile device isdetermined and the new sleep time duration being increased by a secondamount when a continued absence of movement of the mobile device isdetermined, the second amount being larger than the first amount.
 15. Anon-transitory computer-readable storage medium according to claim 14whose stored contents configure the mobile device to perform the method,the method further comprising: determining the new sleep time durationbased on asserted triggers and rules applied to the asserted triggers.16. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium according to claim14 whose stored contents configure the mobile device to perform themethod, the method further comprising: determining the new sleep timeduration based on any change to at least one of the cell identifier,call state, network type, or connection type; or determining the newsleep time duration based on control information from a remote datacontrol server, the control information arranged to modify rules appliedto asserted triggers.
 17. A non-transitory computer-readable storagemedium according to claim 14 whose stored contents configure the mobiledevice to perform the method, the method further comprising: loading analarm with a sample time value representing the new sleep time duration;suspending operation of the background service until the alarm isactivated; and executing a plurality of sequential passes through thebackground service, each sequential pass separated by a duration of timethat is changeable during each sequential pass.
 18. A non-transitorycomputer-readable storage medium according to claim 14 whose storedcontents configure the mobile device to perform the method, the methodfurther comprising: instantiating an adaptive speed data collection(ASDC) software application; instantiating the background service, thebackground service arranged to cooperate with the ASDC softwareapplication; collecting QoS data with each QoS data collection operationwherein the QoS data is associated with a certain wide area network. 19.The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium according to claim18 whose stored contents configure the mobile device to perform themethod, the method further comprising: communicating collected QoS datato a remote data collection server.
 20. The non-transitorycomputer-readable storage medium according to claim 18 whose storedcontents configure the mobile device to perform the method, the methodfurther comprising: presenting information representing the collectedQoS data via a user interface of the mobile device.